topic Re: Strange AMEX BCE question in Credit Cards

Strange AMEX BCE question

bichonmom — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:11:59 GMT

I've been looking at different cards on Amex's site and noticed that BCE has a Welcome offer: Earn a $100 cash back with $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Card membership on your Blue Cash EverydaySM Card.

The fine print: Offer valid for first-time American Express Cardmembers only. To qualify for the $100 bonus, you must make purchases with your Blue Cash EverydaySM Card from American Express that total $1000 or more within your first 3 months of Cardmembership. The bonus will be awarded in the form of Reward Dollars, which will be added to your Reward Dollar balance 6-8 weeks after the spend threshold is met and can be redeemed at any time at a minimum of 25. Cash advances, balance transfers, interest charges, fees, and the purchase of American Express® Travelers Cheques and American Express Gift Cheques, or other cash equivalents, do not apply. Additional Cardmembers on your account are not eligible for this offer. To receive the $100 bonus, account must be active, in good standing, and not in default at the time the statement credit is posted to your account.

So, what I'm wondering is if I haven't had an Amex since the 80s, would I qualify (if approved, of course) for the rebate? Has anyone gotten their welcome offer with an ancient, closed Amex? If you're no longer in their system, would that make you a "first-time" cardmember?
Of course, I realize this is a more difficult card to be approved for, but it's the other one I want besides Costco.

Thanks!

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Open123 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:17:31 GMT

If the last time you had an Amex were the 80s, then I'd say you'll get the promo. However, if you had any recent cards--say from within 5 years--you'd have to give them a promo code before they give you the offer, since it's only for "first" time Amex cardmembers.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

bichonmom — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:25:19 GMT

Okay, thanks. My last amex was from the 80s.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Open123 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:27:08 GMT

I'm sure you'll get the promo! Just make sure you click on the right link where the bonus is advertised.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:28:46 GMT

Despite the small print, I did my BCE app over the phone (since I wanted to ask if I could PC before wasting an inquiry), and after I was approved, the CSR said I was eligible for the $100 offer.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:29:55 GMT

I wonder whether new cardmember means new to Amex completely or just new to BCE.

I had a Chase CC already when I app for the Freedom but they gave me the signup bonus anyways since my other card was not a Freedom.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Open123 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:30:02 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Despite the small print, I did my BCE app over the phone (since I wanted to ask if I could PC before wasting an inquiry), and after I was approved, the CSR said I was eligible for the $100 offer.

I did mine as an existing cardmember, and didn't get it. I should have followed your path and called them.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Open123 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:31:30 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I wonder whether new cardmember means new to Amex completely or just new to BCE.

I had a Chase CC already when I app for the Freedom but they gave me the signup bonus anyways since my other card was not a Freedom.

It says "new cardmember," whereas it used to say "new Blue cardmember."

So, now they can refuse, if they wish to. But, as with all things with Amex, they can always make an exception.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

pizzadude — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:50:51 GMT

I would just send them an email and ask if you are eligible for the bonus....

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:31:22 GMT

Glad you brought this up,

I had apped for the Blue Cash 3/11 approved, I apped for the PR Gold 7/11 approved and I apped for the Blue Cash Preferred 10/11 approved, and there was an offer for 100 cash back if I spent either 750 or 1000 in the first two or three months (but was only good for New AmEx applicants) I did my app for the BCP over the phone and I asked the lady who took my app if I was eligible for this promo even tho I was an existing AmEx Blue cardholder, she put me on hold, and when she came back, she said she had spoke to her manager and he told her yes to go ahead and apply that promo to my account.

Long story short, I spent the required amount the very first month and PIF before the statement cut, I had totally forgot about the promo and when I did check my cash back about 2 weeks later I had 107.71 (or so) cash back. (last I checked I had just over 137 in cash back, not including this cycle, I've run just about 1K thru it this month, 85% of that at the grocery store 6% back and the other 15% for gas 3% back) Love taking $$ from CCC's

So as another replier has said, AmEx can make exceptions, it's just up to them weather they will or not.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

CS800 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:32:51 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Glad you brought this up,

I had apped for the Blue Cash 3/11 approved, I apped for the PR Gold 7/11 approved and I apped for the Blue Cash Preferred 10/11 approved, and there was an offer for 100 cash back if I spent either 750 or 1000 in the first two or three months (but was only good for New AmEx applicants) I did my app for the BCP over the phone and I asked the lady who took my app if I was eligible for this promo even tho I was an existing AmEx Blue cardholder, she put me on hold, and when she came back, she said she had spoke to her manager and he told her yes to go ahead and apply that promo to my account.

Long story short, I spent the required amount the very first month and PIF before the statement cut, I had totally forgot about the promo and when I did check my cash back about 2 weeks later I had 107.71 (or so) cash back. (last I checked I had just over 137 in cash back, not including this cycle, I've run just about 1K thru it this month, 85% of that at the grocery store 6% back and the other 15% for gas 3% back) Love taking $$ from CCC's

So as another replier has said, AmEx can make exceptions, it's just up to them weather they will or not.

That paid for your $75 AF

I have to haunt AMEX to apply my 25k to my AMEX since that was the sign up bonus at the time.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

steve23111 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:32:16 GMT

I applied for my Blue Cash Preferred in early December and received the $150 promo credit for that card, despite my existing Clear and Zync cards. I had to do the app over the phone because of a web site problem that prevented me from applying. I checked with the agent prior to running the app to confirm I would get that promotion even as an existing customer. He confirmed, and sure enough the $150 promo credit applied to my rewards balance after I met the spending requirements.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

bichonmom — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:01:37 GMT

Well. It sounds like the best way to get the rewards is to app over the phone. Does anyone know if the BCE is harder or easier to qualify for than Costco? I've read on here that Costco is a tough one to get, but I know their Blue cards are hard, too. Thanks

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Open123 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:07:56 GMT

@bichonmom wrote:
Well. It sounds like the best way to get the rewards is to app over the phone. Does anyone know if the BCE is harder or easier to qualify for than Costco? I've read on here that Costco is a tough one to get, but I know their Blue cards are hard, too. Thanks

I'd imagine they'd have a similar criteria?

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:08:04 GMT

Hard to really gauge which is harder to get but CK pools all their users and reports aggregate data:

BCE average credit score 737 (44% > 750)

Costco 738 (47% > 750)

Unfortunately no data is reported for BCP. But the sample sizes are pretty good, ~150 and 300 respectively.

Based on this I'd say they are about comparable in difficulty.

http://reviews.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/CCAmericanExpressCard54/1/

http://reviews.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/CCAmericanExpressCard499/1/

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

bichonmom — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:13:05 GMT

Interesting stats from CK. I haven't used their service since I use USAA's CMS. I have no idea what my EX FICO is. I guess if I app, I'll find out, but I really don't want a ding w/o the benefit of getting the card. Decisions, decisions...

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Open123 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:15:55 GMT

My guess is that you'll be approved.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Anonymous — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:49:11 GMT

@bichonmom wrote:
Interesting stats from CK. I haven't used their service since I use USAA's CMS. I have no idea what my EX FICO is. I guess if I app, I'll find out, but I really don't want a ding w/o the benefit of getting the card. Decisions, decisions...

You've come quite a long way since I arrived here Congratulations.

At least if AMEX declines you they will give you a current EX score. People have said that the Clear is harder to get than BCE and I was approved for Clear several months ago with an EX ~715. That was including a CO and an AU account with 90%+ utlization, and a couple of 120 day lates. I think you're good to app for BCE/Costco.

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Zar — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:35:35 GMT

And what about if you are already an AU on another account? Will they consider you a already a "member" and not give you the $100?

Zar

Re: Strange AMEX BCE question

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:34:45 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I wonder whether new cardmember means new to Amex completely or just new to BCE.

I had a Chase CC already when I app for the Freedom but they gave me the signup bonus anyways since my other card was not a Freedom.

It might mean new to Amex, new to BCE, new to the Blue products, or new to the Blue Cash products.

I believe it means new to BCE, on a new trade line (no bonus on PCs).